The Importance of Actualising Your Purpose

11 Nov 2024

Actualise exists to empower you to Actualise Your Purpose. This is achieved by giving you the tools you need to achieve your life’s mission. This article introduces you to what is means to Actualise Your Purpose and why it is important.

What is Actualising Your Purpose?

Actualise: the word itself

The dictionary definition of actualise is as follows:

actualise: to make a reality of: he had actualised his dream and achieved the world record.

Therefore, we exist to empower you to make your purpose a reality. This includes Living Your Dream, Fulfilling Your Mission, Achieving Your Goals and Realising Your Potential

Actualise is a verb, in the present continuous tense. You would use the word by saying: “I actualise my purpose every day”, “I live to actualise my purpose.”

Actualise can stand alone as a word, so you decide what word follows it. It could be: Your Purpose, Your Potential, Your Gifts and Talents, Your Uniqueness: it’s all about being you and doing you.

Your Purpose

Our definition of purpose is the combination of your values and your goals. Actualising Your Purpose is achieving your goals while being true to your values. Actualising Your Purpose prompts you to grow, and results in you feeling fulfilled. That feeling of fulfilment is what satisfies the human condition, and our goal is to give you the tools to get that feeling, which we call Being In Flow.

Your purpose transcends space and time. In the ultimate sense you have already actualised your self, you are already your true, pure and full self. Our goal is to shine a light which brightens your vision, and reminds you just how awesome you already are. When you take action from that place of wholeness, you will see that your actions are imbued with energy — you act in Flow

Self Actualisation

The word actualise is derived from the term Self Actualisation, which is a concept that was made popular by Dr Abraham Maslow, who is known for Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is depicted by a pyramid which shows the different levels of human needs, from basic physical needs to the need for Self Actualisation

Level 1: Physical: the need for air, water, food, rest and health
Level 2: Security: the need for safety, shelter and stability
Level 3: Belonging: the need for being loved and included
Level 4: Esteem: the need for being seen and valued
Level 5: Actualisation: the need for creativity and development

Source: Very Well Mind

The idea here is that the need to self actualise is the human’s deepest need. The need to self actualise transcends all other levels of human needs and persists even when all other levels of human needs have been satisfied.

The Importance of Actualising Your Purpose

Actualising Your Purpose is a fundamental human need that, when fulfilled, can lead to profound personal satisfaction and societal contribution. This is why it is critically important to Actualise Your Purpose.

The following sections highlight the key benefits studied by expert researchers, giving insight into why it is important to Actualise Your Purpose.

Increased Life Satisfaction and Well-being

The Japanese concept of Ikigai, which roughly translates to "a reason for being," aligns closely with the idea of actualising one's purpose. Studies have shown that individuals who have a clear sense of purpose, or Ikigai, tend to live longer, healthier lives with better mental health outcomes and lower rates of disease.

Dr. Arthur C. Brooks, in his book "Build the Life You Want," emphasizes that finding and pursuing one's purpose is crucial for lasting happiness. He argues that true satisfaction comes not from fleeting pleasures or external validation, but from aligning one's actions with their deepest values and goals – precisely what actualising your purpose entails.

Enhanced Personal Growth and Self-Understanding

Building on Maslow's work on Self-Actualisation, modern researchers have found that individuals actively pursuing their purpose tend to exhibit greater personal growth, self-awareness, and resilience in the face of challenges. This process of self-discovery and actualisation leads to a more authentic and fulfilling life experience.

Increased Motivation and Productivity

When you're aligned with your purpose, you're more likely to enter a state of "flow" – a concept popularised by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. This state of deep engagement and focus not only boosts productivity but also contributes to overall life satisfaction.

Positive Impact on Others and Society

Actualising your purpose often involves contributing your unique talents and perspectives to the world. This not only benefits you personally but can have a ripple effect, positively impacting your community and society at large. Research has shown that individuals with a strong sense of purpose are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviours and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Improved Resilience and Stress Management

Studies building on Maslow's work have found that individuals actively pursuing self-actualization and purpose tend to have better coping mechanisms for stress and adversity. This increased resilience can lead to better mental health outcomes and a greater ability to navigate life's challenges.

Enhanced Creativity and Innovation

When you're aligned with your purpose, you're more likely to tap into your creative potential. This can lead to innovative solutions in both your personal and professional life, contributing to a sense of fulfilment and achievement.

Better Decision-Making

Having a clear sense of purpose provides a framework for decision-making. It helps you prioritise what truly matters, leading to choices that are more aligned with your values and long-term goals.

By actualising your purpose, you're not just improving your own life – you're unlocking your full potential to contribute to the world in a meaningful way. It's a journey of continuous growth, self-discovery, and fulfilment that can transform not only your life but the lives of those around you.

How to Actualise Your Purpose

The Actualise Coaching Philosophy

The Actualise Coaching philosophy revolves around the Wheel of Life. The Wheel of Life is a powerful framework designed to give you clarity on your priorities by visually assessing key areas of your life. By using this tool, you can intentionally set goals and make adjustments to achieve a more fulfilling life.

The spokes in the Wheel of Life include the following:

Spiritual: Your connection to spirituality
Emotional: Your relationships with your life partner, your family and your friends
Mental: Your work and your intellect and how it contributes to society
Physical: Your physical and financial health

This is why the Actualise Group operates businesses in a diverse set of domains, ranging from entrepreneurship to personal development, energy to design and healthcare to finance.

We see you as a strong well rounded individual who is economically active, with healthy relationships, living in a strong body to Actualise Your Purpose.

We advocate for prioritisation over balance, because we acknowledge that life typically has constraints which limit our capacity to prioritise all areas fully. Therefore, the Wheel of Life gives you perspective on the various areas which you may choose to prioritise for a given season, while having sight of the other areas so that you don’t neglect them completely.